Don't link film violence to shootings: Arnie

Arnold Schwarzenegger poses at the premiere of 'The
Expendables 2' at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in
Hollywood, California in August last year. REUTERS/Mario
Anzuoni/Files

Arnold Schwarzenegger may be one of the world's biggest
action stars but the former governor of California says
violence in films is entertainment and should not be linked to
tragic events like the Connecticut school shooting in which 20
children died.

The star of films such as "The Terminator," "Predator" and
"True Lies" told a press conference before the opening of his
new movie, "The Last Stand," on January 18th that "one has to
keep (the two) separate."

The actor, who will star in his first leading role in the
film since serving as California governor for seven years,
said the tragedy in which a gunman killed 20 children and six
staff at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, is
about more than just guns.

"We have to analyze how we deal with mental illness, how we
deal with gun laws, how we deal with parenting," he said.

In "The Last Stand," Schwarzenegger plays a retired Los
Angeles policeman who becomes a border town sheriff who must
stop a violent drug lord from crossing the border.

The film, with its violent scenes, is the type of movie that
National Rifle Association chief Wayne LaPierre recently
cited as a contributing factor to the Sandy Hook Elementary
School shooting.

But Schwarzenegger said that gun laws and mental health
guidance need reform, not Hollywood.

"How can we do better with gun laws?" asked Schwarzenegger.
"If there are any loopholes, if there's a problem, let's
analyze it ... Are we really dealing with the mental problems
the right way as a society?"

In terms of parenting, the former politician alluded to the
Connecticut killer Adam Lanza's mother, Nancy, who was also
shot and killed by her own son on that tragic day.

"Does a mother need to collect guns and take her little kids
shooting?" he asked.

"Everything has to be analyzed; no stone unturned," he added.
"I think that's what we owe to our people."